drugs

On 9 February the Falsified Medicines Directive will come into force, making it harder for fake prescription medicines to reach patients. Although this is the latest piece of legislation to tackle counterfeit medicines, the problem is far from a new one.

Driving under the influence of drugs is an offence. If you think this just means illegal drugs such as cannabis or cocaine, you’d be wrong. The law doesn’t distinguish between illegal drugs and prescription medicines for genuine illnesses.

Sections of human skull, a packet of Viagra, strychnine and anabolic steroids – both used in the past as doping substances in sport, and examples of Victorian medicines and pharmacy equipment – these are some of the objects the RPS Museum has recently lent to exhibitions and displays currently on in London. It is really interesting to see that curators from the Wellcome Collection, the Florence Nightingale Museum and the 2012 Olympic Games site are using our objects for their exhibitions and displays in new, fascinating, and sometimes unexpected ways. Read more Human body enhancement – lessons from the past ›

About the RPS blog

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is the dedicated professional body for pharmacists and pharmacy in England, Scotland and Wales.

Our blogs are written by experts and provide thought provoking information and commentary on health, health policy issues and lifestyle choices. Here you will find opinions and comments on topics related to public health and medicine safety.

We work with a variety of health, charity and business partners to help us highlight particular health issues and run successful health campaigns. We will be inviting guest bloggers from these organisations to help us create interesting, varied and engaging public content.